If you’ve been told you need tooth extractions and are planning to get dentures, it’s normal to wonder how long the process takes. You might be concerned about walking around without teeth, or unsure what kind of timeline to expect before everything feels normal again.
The truth is, there isn’t a single answer. The timing depends on the type of dentures you choose and how your mouth heals after extraction. If you're working with a Lakeland dentist, they’ll walk you through the timing based on your specific situation. Still, there are general timelines and expectations that apply to most patients.
Immediate Dentures vs. Conventional Dentures
There are two basic options after having teeth removed—immediate dentures or conventional ones. Immediate dentures are made in advance and placed on the same day your teeth are extracted. This approach means you don’t have to go without teeth at all, which can make a big difference emotionally and socially. However, because your gums and jaw are still healing, these dentures often require several adjustments. Your mouth changes shape quite a bit during healing, which means the fit can become loose over time.
Conventional dentures are made after the extraction sites have healed. This typically takes six to eight weeks, though it can take longer depending on how many teeth were removed, whether there were complications, and how fast your body heals. Some people need three to six months before their gums and bone settle enough to support a well-fitting denture. While this option takes longer, the trade-off is a more accurate and stable fit.
Is It Better to Wait?
Waiting for your mouth to fully heal before getting fitted for dentures often leads to better long-term results. Immediate dentures offer convenience, but they’re usually considered a temporary solution. Many patients use them while healing and then transition to a final set of conventional dentures later on. This staged approach is common, and your Lakeland dentist will help you decide if it makes sense for you.
Some people choose to go without any dentures during the healing phase. Others can’t imagine being without teeth for that long. There’s no right or wrong decision—just what fits your needs, your comfort level, and your lifestyle.
What Happens During Healing?
After tooth extractions, your gums go through a natural shrinking process. The bone underneath also begins to remodel, especially in the first few months. This is why fitting a permanent denture too early can lead to problems. If the denture is made while the tissue is still shifting, you may need more adjustments or even a replacement down the line.
Most dentists will check on your healing progress a few times during this period. You may be asked to come in for soft liner adjustments if you're wearing a temporary denture. This helps keep things as comfortable as possible while your mouth continues to change.
Can You Eat and Talk Normally Right Away?
If you get immediate dentures, there’s a learning curve. Eating soft foods for the first few weeks is usually recommended, and talking may feel awkward at first. Dentures don’t function exactly like natural teeth, so some adaptation is expected. That said, most people adjust fairly quickly. With time and practice, chewing and speaking become much easier.
If you wait for conventional dentures, the adjustment process often goes a bit smoother, since the denture fits your healed mouth more accurately. Either way, patience and regular follow-up make a big difference.
What’s the Total Timeline Like?
For immediate dentures, you’ll typically have impressions taken before your extractions, and the denture is placed the same day your teeth are removed. You’ll wear that denture throughout healing, with possible relines or adjustments along the way. Once your gums are fully healed—usually in a few months—you’ll be fitted for your permanent denture.
If you choose to wait and go the conventional route, expect a healing period of about six to twelve weeks before impressions are taken for your final denture. After that, fabrication usually takes a few more weeks, depending on the dental lab’s turnaround.
This means the entire process—from extractions to final denture placement—can take anywhere from two to six months, sometimes longer. It all depends on your healing and how your dentist structures your treatment plan.
Talk to a Lakeland Dentist About What’s Right for You
The decision between immediate and conventional dentures isn’t just about timing—it’s about how you want the process to feel, and what kind of results you’re aiming for. Some patients want something fast and are okay with more adjustments. Others prefer to wait a bit longer for a better-fitting, more permanent solution.
If you're considering dentures in Lakeland, your best first step is a consultation. A good dentist will help you weigh your options, explain the trade-offs clearly, and give you a plan that fits your needs and pace.